SPRING and SUMMER PUPAE You can order these NOW in advance

No longer the common butterfly it once was. Winter pupae are stored cool for the winter and normally hatch in May, though some develop during winter.

This is a good species for the inexperienced, and as an introduction to rearing larvae.

The larvae feed on cabbage but also most Cruciferae which can be better and less smelly for captive rearing! Horseradish is ideal for its large leaves and other species include Rape, Mustard, Sweet Rocket, Turnip and Watercress.

The butterflies fly from May into June. Eggs are laid in large clusters on the underside of Devil’s Bit Scabious.The larvae Feed on Honeysuckle (wild is best), Snowberry or the natural foodplant Devil’s Bit Scabious. The larvae live in a tightly formed web, growing only a little before they hibernate in autumn.

A delicate member of the White family, with variable markings and prominent underside veining.The larvae feed on many Cruficerae with a particular liking for Jack by the Hedge Alliaria, Horseradish Armoracia rusticana, Cresses and Mustards.

Very easy to breed. Several generations are possible in a season. The pupa hibernates. Keep the pupae cool or in the fridge until April. Lay them out to emerge in May and provide the adults with nectar flowers and stems of the foodplant on which to lay.

Harmless to garden plants (they prefer wild plants), this is a species you can breed to enhance the local countryside.

Black-veined Whites lived in Britain until about 1911. Maybe one day they will live here again?

The pupae are very brightly coloured, angular, greenish white, with contrasting markings in black and yellow. Easy to hatch out. They lay clusters of bright yellow eggs. Resulting larvae spin a web and live in this while they develop, and eventually settle down there for the winter.

Larvae do well sleeved on Hawthorn (their preferred foodplant), Plum, Blackthorn, Plum or Apple. The larvae live in a cluster.

Summer larvae spin a very small and concealed web on the branch, in which they hibernate. Leave the sleeve untouched for the winter. In spring they awake as soon as the buds burst, and begin to grow very quickly.

The pupa is a remarkable and lovely shape. The butterflies hatch easily. Difficult to hibernate, but you can keep them for a while with fresh nectar flowers, and then release to hibernate and hopefully breed in your area.

Resulting pupae produce butterflies this summer. They hibernate amongst ivy (when closed, the wings resemble ivy leaf undersides). They are difficult to hibernate in captivity so, by releasing the butterflies in summer sunshine, you may help to perpetuate the species each spring in your area.

A great favourite with entomologists and extremely easy to rear on potted Clover. The larvae grow fast and will produce butterflies very quickly, particularly in warm conditions. These pupae produce butterflies in a week or two.

Suddenly this species has become scarce, in a very short time, though last season showed some recovery, there are very few to be seen this summer. The butterflies emerge in a little over two weeks, dependent on temperature.

The butterflies can be kept in a cage for a few days, with plenty of flowers for nectar, and then released to help the wild populations.

One of Europe's most colourful and splendid butterflies. The pupae hatch within about 2 weeks. The butterflies can be kept for a few days in a cage with flowers for nectar, then released into the wild.

One of Europe's most colourful and splendid butterflies. The pupae hatch within about 2 weeks. The butterflies can be kept for a few days in a cage with flowers for nectar, then released into the wild.

The last mild winter woke hibernating butterflies at a time when there was no nectar and many Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells perished, making them quite scarce this summer. You can help boost your local population by hatching and releasing these Peacock butterflies.

A chance to breed this attractive British butterfly, or to reinforce local populations by releasing the adultd. Fascinating larvae with curious half and half markings in black, brown and white, mimicking a bird dropping. The larvae feed on Stinging Nettle, Elm and Hop. They live singly. Fast growing.